This study investigated the relationship between different intensities of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) (i.e., vigorous LTPA vs. leisure walking) and life satisfaction, and the moderating effect of dementia diagnosis on this association in a representative sample of U.S. older adults derived from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (n = 8,779). Multivariable regression analysis revealed significant associations between both LTPA intensity and life satisfaction. Moderation analysis revealed that dementia diagnosis significantly influenced the relationship between vigorous LTPA and life satisfaction in older adults, while no significant dementia diagnosis moderating effect was found to affect the relationship between leisure walking and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that vigorous LTPA was particularly beneficial for enhancing the life satisfaction of people living with dementia (PLWD), while leisure walking universally enhances life satisfaction in older adults regardless of their dementia status. Practical suggestions and implications are provided for designing LTPA programs tailored to the specific needs of PLWD.
Keywords: dementia; health; life satisfaction; older adults; physical activity.